Ultraviolet Light and your Eyes

If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by UV exposure.

Eye Diseases Linked to UV Exposure

UV exposure has been linked to a number of serious eye diseases including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula of the eye breaks down, leading to a loss of central vision and is a leading cause of age-related vision loss. Macular degeneration develops over time so a lifetime of exposure to UV can contribute it’s likelihood.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, resulting in blurred vision and eventually blindness. The len is responsible for focusing the light that comes into the eye, allowing clear vision. Cataracts can be treated by a simple surgery to replace the clouded lens with an artificial lens. UV light contributes to certain types of cataracts, which account for about 10% of all cases.

Skin Cancer

Another serious disease that can affect the eyes is skin cancer which can appear on the eyelids or the area around the eyes. Skin cancer is known to be linked to extended exposure to UV and your eyes can be a difficult area to protect with sun block as you don’t want it to get too close to the eyes.

Other Eye Conditions Linked to UV Exposure

Photokeratitis or Corneal Sunburn

Photokeratitis or a corneal sunburn in layman’s terms can occur with intense exposure to the sun without proper eye protection. It is commonly experienced after a day skiing or snowboarding at a high altitude or at the beach. Corneal sunburns can be extremely painful and can sometimes cause a temporary loss of vision.

Pterygium

Pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye” is a growth that forms on the conjunctiva which is a layer over the sclera or the white part of your eye. Sometimes they grow onto the cornea as well. Often pterygia are harmless but if they grow too large they may begin to impact your vision. In this case, surgery may be necessary. Pterygia are commonly found in individuals who spend a significant amount of time outside in the sun or wind.

How to Properly Protect Your Eyes From UV

The more time you spend outside, the greater the risk for your eyes, however you can easily minimize this risk with proper protection. Here are a few tips to ensure you are doing what you can to safeguard your eyes:

Proper Sunglasses

Fully protective sunglasses should block out 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. You can achieve this through purchasing a pair of sunglasses, applying a UV blocking coating to your glasses or opting for photochromic lenses which are eyeglass lenses which turn dark when exposed to sunlight. Most contact lenses will also have UV protection but this is just for the area of the eye covered by the lens.

Since UV exposure can enter from the air, the ground or from the sides, wrap-around and large lensed frames can provide added protection.

Add a Wide Brimmed Hat

A wide brimmed hat or visor will stop about half of the UV rays from even reaching your eyes as well as reduce the exposure coming in from the top or sides of your sunglass frames.

Know Your Environmental Risk Factors

UV exposure is largely dependent upon your location and your surroundings. If you are located at a high altitude you will likely be exposed to more UV than at lower altitudes. UV also reflects off of snow, sand, water and even asphalt so be aware that you are getting increased exposure under these conditions.

Know Your Additional Risk Factors

There are a number of other factors that can increase your exposure or risk of eye damage from UV. For example, certain medications increase the sensitivity of your eyes and skin to sunlight (speak to your doctor about any medications you are on). Previous eye surgery or eye diseases can also increase your risk factors for UV eye damage. Additionally if you work in certain fields such as welding or medical scans or radiation or use tanning beds, you can be exposed to additional UV radiation. If there is nothing you can do to change your exposure, make sure you are properly protecting your eyes with goggles or glasses and a hat.

Regular Eye Exams

Make sure you schedule a comprehensive eye exam on a regular basis to ensure your eyes are healthy. If you are over 50 or have increased risk factors for eye disease, you should schedule exams at least on a yearly basis or according to your eye doctor’s recommendations.

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Testimonials

"Been with TSO for a couple of years now and Love every Visit I have had there with my kids."
--Laura V.

"Good place. they are efficient and quick. The exam took no time at all, and neither was today's visit when I got my glasses. They adjusted them quickly and they were ready earlier than we expected.They called in the morning to tell me they were ready. I like this place a lot."
--Wendy K.

"I have been a long time patient of Dr. Doug Clark and highly recommend him. Dr. Clark provides a thorough and precise eye exam using the state of the art equipment. His expertise has helped me stay in contacts, which I love wearing.
His store offers a wide variety of frames and his stylists are very knowledgeable which is a great help when picking out the right frame and lenses.
I have referred him and his staff to my friends and acquaintances and they are never disappointed. "
--Debbie G

"Dr. Clark is interested in me both as a person and a patient. He has been consistent, thorough and has taken the time to learn about my specific eye care problems. He has got a great sense of humor and genuinely loves his job.
Besides being a joy to work with, the folks at TSO have helped me with the difficult decision of purchasing eyeglasses. They have an extensive inventory and my glasses are not just incredibly fashionable, they were very reasonably priced.
I highly recommend TSO at Central Plaza to anyone looking for an experienced, professional and caring eye doctor. Thank you for all you do."
--Caroline B

We are excited to say that TSO Capital Plaza is now open for routine eye care! Patients can be seen by appointment only, Monday thru Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM. Our Saturday schedule will resume within the next few weeks. Please call (512) 452-5735 to schedule your appointment with us. We look forward to seeing you again!

With that being said, we will continue to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our patients, our staff, and our community. You should continue to expect limited entry into the office and very limited volume inside our office in order to maintain social distancing. Additionally, COVID screenings at the door will continue to take place, and safety and rigorous cleaning protocol will be in place. All staff will continue to wear masks (in addition to gloves and goggles as needed) and we ask that all patients come in for their examinations, adjustments, and glasses and contact lens dispenses wearing a mask or face covering as well. Further guidance will be given upon making your appointments.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation with our team during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. We are grateful for our patients, and we thank you for supporting our small business during this time. We hope you are staying safe.

Take care,

Your local family at TSO Capital Plaza and Drs. Amin, Clark, Nguyen and Weeden